RANGPUR, March 24, 2022 (BSS) - Health experts at a post-rally discussion today stressed on ensuring early diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) infected patients to eradicate the curable disease from the country.  
 
They made the observation at the discussion held at the Civil Surgeon's conference room in observance of the World Tuberculosis Day- 2022 in the city.
 
The Department of Health with the divisional health administration, Civil Surgeon Office, National Anti-Tuberculosis Association of Bangladesh (NATAB) and Brac organized the events under the National Tuberculosis Prevention Program.
 
Earlier, physicians, health workers, nurses, teachers, public representatives, religious leaders and NGO activists participated in the rally.
 
With Divisional Deputy Director (Health) Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman in the chair, Divisional Director (Health) Dr. Abu Md. Zakirul Islam attended the post-rally discussion as chief guest.
 
Divisional Assistant Director (Health) Dr. Md. Mesbahul Islam, Deputy Civil Surgeon of Rangpur Dr. Md. Ruhul Amin, Divisional TB Expert Dr. Rana Chowdhury, Sadar Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Rabi Sankar Mandal and President of Rangpur unit of NATAB Shah Md. Nabiullah Panna spoke as special guests.
 
Medical Officer at the Civil Surgeon’s Office Dr. Md. Asaduzzaman Sajib and Rangpur Area Supervisor of Brac Md. Feroz Shah Mian also spoke.
 
Dr. Rabi stressed on ensuring proper implementation of the tuberculosis eradication programs to reduce TB-related deaths aiming at freeing the country from the curable disease by 2035 next.
 
Dr. Habibur Rahman said both adults and children should be brought under the TB identification program and cost-free treatment process to completely free the country from tuberculosis.
 
He put importance on establishing a hospital in Rangpur for ensuring treatment of the multi-drug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis patients.
 
Dr. Rana discussed various steps taken by the government for prevention of tuberculosis and available cost-free treatment facilities.
 
“Under the tuberculosis eradication activities, the government will make GeneXpert Machines available at the upazila levels,” he said.
 
The chief guest discussed various programs of the government for controlling tuberculosis and stressed on using Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy (TPT) and modern GeneXpert Machines and Digital X-ray Machines for diagnosing TB patients.
 
“In Bangladesh, 221 people out of every one lakh are being infected by tuberculosis, all TB patients should be brought under treatment facilities and everyone should work sincerely to free the country from tuberculosis by 2035 next,” he added.